Bladder accumulator recertification by HFT
As part of its accumulator service package, Hytec Fluid Technology (HFT) provides parameter conformance testing and recertification on 1 to 50 litre Olaer and Hydac bladder accumulators to PER and SANS 347 standards.
To test accumulator vessel expansion, vessels are subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test to 1.25 times the vessel’s working pressure – overseen by the Authorised Inspection Authority. Certified accumulators conform to the OHS Act (PER and SANS 347) with accumulators classified ‘Industrial & Factory’ certified for 36 months. Those classified ‘Mine Health & Safety’ are certified for 24 months.
“Testing accuracy on all parameters of reference is done with extreme precision – to 6 decimal points!” explains HFT Workshop Foreman and Technician Tony Greef. “This allows for the most appropriate certificate to be issued.”
Vessel wall thickness is verified using a 5-point ultrasonic thickness test. In addition to recertification, the accumulator service includes accumulator stripping; double cleaning; and reassembly with a new bladder, seal kit and anti-extrusion ring.
All test work is carried out on the HFT onsite accumulator test bench, developed by Tectra Automation. 3 accumulator units can be bench-mounted, harnessed and tested simultaneously, with each vessel test completed in about 1 hour.
All test work is carried out on the HFT onsite accumulator test bench, an R800 000-investment developed by fellow Group Company Tectra Automation.
3 accumulator units can be bench-mounted, harnessed and tested simultaneously, providing an approximate 60-minute testing turnaround per vessel, and fast turnaround of our customers’ accumulator recertifications.
“Downtime prevented or minimised for our clients due to this swift turnaround is an example of our motto, ‘We move – you win’, in action,” Tony says.
Other bladder accumulator brands, if accompanied by design drawings and parameter specifications, can also be tested at the company’s ISO 9001-certified accumulation certification centre in Spartan, Johannesburg.